Computer hardware

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer and related devices. Internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard drives, and RAM. External hardware devices include monitors, keyboards, mouse, printers, and scanners.

Introduction

The internal hardware parts of a computer are often referred to as components, while external hardware devices are usually called peripherals. Together, they all fall under the category of computer hardware. A computer system isn't complete unless there's also software, which is different than hardware. The software is data that's stored electronically, like an operating system or a video editing tool, which runs on the hardware.

Components

Motherboard

The motherboard is the body or mainframe of the computer, through which all other components interface. It is the central circuit board making up a complex electronic system. A motherboard provides the electrical connections by which the other components of the system communicate.

Hard Drive

The hard drive or storage is the component that stores all the data. It houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the working memory of the computer. It is where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.

Peripherals

Monitor

A monitor or a display is an electronic visual display for computers. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry, and an enclosure.

Keyboard

A keyboard is a peripheral device that enables a user to input text into a computer or any other electronic machinery. A keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with a computer.

Mouse

A mouse is a handheld pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is typically translated into the motion of a pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control of the graphical user interface.

See Also

• Computer software
• Computer network
• Computer system

Computer hardware Resources
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